Bail refused for Derry man who threatened to release sexual images of witness

A man accused of threatening to release sexual images of a woman if she changed her statement in an upcoming court case has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court. 

Cavan Joseph White (33) of Rossnagalliagh in Derry appeared charged with witness intimidation on March 26 by threatening to release naked photos of a woman. 

He was also charged with voyeurism on the same date by taking the photos, threatening to pervert the course of justice and possessing cannabis and Pregablin. 

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail. 

He told the court police were told by the woman that the defendant had come to her house to discuss a court case involving them both.

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She told him she intended to change her statement and at this White was alleged to go 'on a rant '.

He showed her photos of her naked and sleeping and said he would release them if she changed her statement.

She was unaware that the pictures had been taken.

When police arrested White drugs were found in the bedroom. 

At interview White denied being at tge woman's address, denied voyeurism and denied threatening to share the pictures. 

Bail was opposed due to the risk of reoffending as White has 131 previous convictions and was on probation and on licence. 

The officer said the defendant had refused to give his PIN number for the phone.

Defence counsel Sean Doherty said his client was denying all the allegations and was applying for bail. 

District Judge Barney McElholm said it was as simple as 'no PIN no bail'.

He said there was 'no greater anathema than someone accused of interfering with witnesses. '

The judge said such actions 'struck at the very heart of the justice system'.

Bail was refused and White will appear again on April 24.